A cabbie from Berkhamsted has been taking NHS staff and elderly residents to their destinations for free.
Mark Twyman, who’s been a London cab driver and Berkhamsted resident for more than 20 years, has been giving NHS staff free lifts to and from work since the pandemic began so that they can avoid getting public transport.
In recent weeks, he’s also extended the offer to anyone over the age of 70 who needs to get to a medical appointment.
Mark, a father of three, said: “It made sense to start doing because work had really slowed down in London, and I obviously couldn’t take Berko residents to the airports anymore – but I was still paying for the cab, so I thought I may as well make use of it.
“I began by offering the NHS workers free lifts to and from work so that they didn’t have to mix with the public on their journeys, and all of them have been really appreciative.
“I started taking older residents to their appointments a couple of weeks later because I was seeing so many of them walking or getting public transport, which is so bad for them at the moment. I hated seeing them take those risks for something they really had to go to, so I’m now giving them lifts too.
“Even now, a few weeks in, a lot of them say ‘Are you sure this is free?’ They can’t believe it – but they really do deserve it.”
Mark lets those eligible for free journeys book slots with him so that he can accommodate as many people as possible. It’s an unusual move – but one that Mark feels other cabbies should follow.
He added: “Everyone should be doing what they can to chip in and help those who need it. We’re all suffering right now, but it’s still important that everyone does their part.
“I also want to thank the community for their support and for trying to help out with my costs. Berko’s a brilliant place, and I think we’re all feeling a massive community spirit at the moment.”
Keep up with Mark on his company’s Facebook page, Berko Black Cab, and call 07961 594435 to book a journey.
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